March 21, 2006

King's Singers - From Byrd to the Beatles

Demonstrating their great versatility, the King's Singers prove in this recital from London's Cadogan Hall that although they have many imitators they remain the masters. The sextet of Englishmen has been delighting audiences on recordings for more than 30 years and those of us lucky enough to of attended one of their live performances know what incredible showmen they are also. On their first DVD, they share some of their favorite works, a mixture of songs old and new-madrigals by Byrd and Monteverdi, a Rossini overture, and tunes from the Beatles, Freddie Mercury, Duke Ellington, and many more. Interspersed with these performances is footage of the singers in the recording studio as they face the challenge of performing Thomas Tallis's 40-part motet "Spem in Alium." The program culminates with their performance with their rendition of this magnificent work. So sit back and enjoy a concert by one of the very best! (93 minutes plus encore. Widescreen) 8300 DVD 19.98

Posted by acapnews at 1:49 AM

March 20, 2006

Portland Symphonic Girls Choir - We're Going Places

"This live 2-CD set features the four Girlchoirs, the Premier Choir, Intermezzo Choir, Debut Choir and Encore Singers in 24 pieces on the first CD, and 14 on the 2nd CD. All pieces are accompanied, by piano, organ, percussion, string quartet and by other instruments. Ably conducted by Roberta Jackson and Debra Burgess, The last 7 selections on the first CD are a "best of" from the Girlchoir's founding in 1989 to 2004 and include a pair of commissioned songs, "Deep Peace, A Gaelic Blessing" and "Spero" (Hope), both written by PSG alumnus Amy C. Burgess. 7 of the pieces on the first CD are sacred Christian pieces, such as Bach's "Christe Eleison from Mass in B Minor" and Rupert Long's "Sanctus from Mass For Many Nations." The Moses-Hogan arranged spiritual "Ride on King Jesus" and his "Music Down In My Soul," Steven Hatfield's "Over the Hills," Gwenyth Walker's "How Can I Keep From Singing" and Lee Kesselman's commission, "Tsvey Taybelekh" (The Two Doves), are particularly fine. Also fine are four movements from Benjamin Britten's "The Little Sweep" from "Lets Make an Opera." A generous, finely-crafted collection from the talented Portland Symphonic Girlchoir. 8103 2CDs 16.98

Posted by acapnews at 1:46 AM